The Basic Defect in Cystic Fibrosis Part 2; Thick Sticky Mucus

The lack of salt on the outside of the cell causes the lubrication mechanism, mucus, to become thick and sticky instead of thin and slippery. Thick, sticky mucus is the cause of many bodily upsets, one for example; the dark, moist environment inside a CF host's lungs is an ideal place for germs to colonize. The lack of mucosal movement within the airways creates a cozy space for a family of germs to move in, reproduce, build a village and train soldiers to protect that village, thus leading to infection and eventually scarring.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Cystic Fibrosis
• CF
• basic defect
• thick sticky mucus.

[jungchoigt]

Great illustration of the build-up of mucus as a result of the decrease in the water layer between the airway surface cells and the mucus layer, where the beating cilia keep the mucus moving in healthy lungs.